Chapter 9

“Wait, do what? Our relationship? You need to say more words and fast! Are you breaking up with me?” I begged, trying to reach for him.

He pulled away and gave his mom one last glance. His face was so red.

“I can’t fucking believe this,” he said. “I’ll walk home. I need to cool off a bit anyway and it’s not that far.”

“Keegan, you are not walking home. This is ridiculous…” she started to chastise him, but instead ran over to me as she caught a glimpse of me breaking down. I couldn’t feel my legs.

My face went numb and I fell to the ground as I heard the door slam. He left. He left my house and he left me! This couldn’t be real life? I had lost my first love. I felt people around me helping me to the couch and I could hear them saying my name. But nothing was clear. The only thing that I was sure of was that I needed Casey.

Baylen came and sat by me. He hugged me and pulled me into his side so he could protect me. He always did this with me when we were little and I got scared. It did comfort me and I’m glad he was there.

“Breesy girl, I called Casey. She is headed over now. I’m so sorry sis. I love you so much. Give Keegan time to process this. I am sure he will get over it soon,” he said.

I know Bay meant well, but my heart was aching. Nothing anyone said made that feeling go away. I felt like someone had hit me right in the chest and took all of my air supply away.

Ten minutes passed and Casey finally arrived. She walked with me to my room and I filled her in on what had happened. She had a few choice words for Keegan.

“This motherfucker! He didn’t even think about your heart and what he was doing to you. He just left? I’m over him. Grow up Keegan,” she said, lightly punching the photo of him by my bed.

“Case, it hurts so badly. Why did he do this? I can’t spend my summer with a broken heart. This is our senior summer and it’s supposed to be the best one yet,” I said.

“Oh it will be. Keegan leaves in what, two weeks? We will have us some major fun,” she said, taking my phone.

“What are you doing?” I inquired, as she put it up to my face to unlock it.

“I am blocking and deleting his number. I know your memory ain’t worth shit, so you definitely don’t have it memorized,” she said, laughing at her own joke.

“Case, no!” I yelled.

It was too late, she had already done it.

“It is what’s best James. Don’t let that fucker call or text you. He broke you tonight my girl,” she said, hugging me.

I knew what she said was true, but I yearned for him so badly. I wanted him to call me and tell me he made a mistake and that he loved me. I just wanted him. I never thought I would be spending my summer of senior year without Keegan Patts.

My mom let Casey stay the night. She had brought an overnight bag anyhow. She took Keegan’s spot at the dinner table. I kept looking at the door, hoping he would change his mind.

Conversations were happening around me, but I didn’t hear any of them. Casey held my hand under the table and would feed me bread every so often. I did not feel like eating. I only felt like crying. My heart hurt so badly.

I ended up falling asleep quickly as Casey rubbed my head. She was such an incredible friend. I didn’t even dream. My head was empty as I blocked out painful thoughts of Keegan Patts.